Senate Higher Education Committee approves 17 gubernatorial appointments, endorses Rhodes State trustee pick

Chair Rosen convened the Senate Higher Education Committee and opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance before the panel moved to business. The committee reviewed a packet of biographical information for 17 gubernatorial appointments that had been distributed in advance and available on members’ iPads.

Vice Chair Timken moved on the full slate of governor’s appointees, saying, "Madam Chair, I move that we favorably report the Governor's appointments to the Committee on Rules in Reference." The clerk then called the roll; the chair announced, "And by unanimous vote, the governor's appointments are approved." Members were asked to sign the vote sheet, and the chair said the roll would be held open to permit voting by members who had not yet checked in.

The committee’s second item was the James A. Rhodes State College Trustee Selection Committee appointment for Jill Jacobs. As with the earlier motion, the chair recognized Vice Chair Timken, who moved to favorably report the appointment to Rules in Reference. The clerk called the roll and the chair announced the appointment was approved. The chair again said the roll would be held open for late voters and reminded members to sign the vote sheet.

There was no substantive debate recorded on either item. With no further business, Chair Rosen adjourned the committee.

Key details: The committee considered 17 gubernatorial appointments (names and institutional affiliations were provided to members in advance) and a trustee selection committee appointment for James A. Rhodes State College (Jill Jacobs). Both motions were moved by Vice Chair Timken, reported favorably to Rules in Reference, and approved by unanimous vote as announced by the chair.